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Sodium Bicarbonate

Combination drugs: Alka-Seltzer®, Birley®, Bismag®, Bisodol Extra Strong Mint Tablets®, Bisodol Heartburn Relief Tablets®, Bisodol Indigestion Relief Powder®, Bisodol Indigestion Relief Tablets®, Bisodol Wind Relief Tablets®, Boots Indigestion Tablets®, De Witt's Antacid Powder®, Gaviscon 250 Tablets®, Opas®, Roter®

Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) is used as an antacid for short-term relief of stomach upset, to correct acidosis in kidney disorders, to make the urine alkaline during bladder infections, and to minimize uric acid crystallization during gout treatment. A prescription sodium bicarbonate product is given by injection to treat metabolic acidosis and some drug intoxications. Sodium bicarbonate is available as a nonprescription drug alone (sodium bicarbonate tablets) or in combination with other nonprescription drugs for short-term treatment of various conditions to treat fever and mild to moderate pain.

Interactions with Dietary Supplements

Folic acid
Folic acid is needed by the body to utilize vitamin B12. Antacids, including sodium bicarbonate, inhibit folic acid absorption.1 People taking antacids are advised to supplement with folic acid.

Iron
In a study of nine healthy people, sodium bicarbonate administered with 10 mg of iron led to lower iron levels compared to iron administered alone.2 This interaction may be avoided by taking sodium bicarbonate-containing products two hours before or after iron-containing supplements.

Summary of Interactions for Sodium Bicarbonate

Depletion or interference Folic acid
Iron*
Adverse interaction None known
Side effect reduction/prevention None known
Supportive interaction None known
Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability None known

For the convenience of the reader, the information in the summary is categorized as follows: “Depletion or interference” indicates the drug may deplete or interfere with the absorption or function of the supplement or herb. “Adverse interaction” indicates that the supplement or herb used together with the drug may result in undesirable effects. “Side effect reduction/prevention” indicates the supplement or herb may reduce the likelihood and/or severity of a potential side effect caused by the drug. “Supportive interaction” indicates the supplement or herb may support or aid the function of the drug. “Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability” indicates that the supplement or herb may decrease the absorption and/or activity of the drug in the body. An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.

References:

1. Russell RM, Golner BB, Krasinski SD, et al. Effect of antacid and H2 receptor antagonists on the intestinal absorption of folic acid. J Lab Clin Med 1988;112:458–63.

2. O’Neil-Cutting MA, Crosby WH. The effect of antacids on the absorption of simultaneously ingested iron. JAMA 1986;255:1468–70.